On June 3, the Digitalk event of Digitale Stadt Düsseldorf took place at the premises of Stadtsparkasse Düsseldorf. At the center of the event was a question that could hardly be more relevant:
“Artificial intelligence – and now what?”
Experts from politics, business, and technology came together to discuss the practical and responsible use of AI – a topic that affects the financial sector just as much as many other industries.
Opening address by Ina Brandes: NRW as a leading AI region
In her opening remarks, Ina Brandes, Minister for Culture and Science of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, emphasized the region’s already strong position in the field of artificial intelligence, particularly in research and development. The structural transformation from coal to digital key technologies represents a major opportunity for NRW and its companies. A digitally skilled society, she noted, is a crucial prerequisite for establishing NRW as a leading AI region in the future.
Keynote by Jörg Heynkes: AI as the engine of the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Entrepreneur and author Jörg Heynkes opened the event with an inspiring keynote. For him, artificial intelligence is the central technology of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It fundamentally changes how we live and work – offering enormous opportunities, but also significant risks. Heynkes highlighted four key aspects:
- Technological transformation: AI has the potential to address major global challenges, such as energy, mobility, and food supply.
- Exponential development: The performance of AI systems roughly doubles every six months, forcing businesses and society to rethink and adapt quickly.
- Responsibility & digital competence: Conscious and competent use of AI will become a core skill. People must take responsibility for their digital future.
- Climate protection through AI: Local AI-driven solutions can help limit climate change on a global scale.
Panel discussion: AI in the financial sector – transformation in motion
In the subsequent panel discussion, representatives of Stadtsparkasse Düsseldorf, Minister Brandes, and Jörg Heynkes discussed the concrete impact of AI on the financial industry, moderated by Stephan Schneider. One thing became clear: the financial sector is undergoing a profound transformation. In the context of Stadtsparkasse Düsseldorf’s 200th anniversary, the discussion illustrated how AI can revolutionize established structures and enable new forms of customer interaction and process automation.
rising systems: practical AI with Odoo
At rising systems, we contribute to this discussion from our perspective as a strategic development partner of Odoo. As early as September, Odoo will introduce AI agents that intelligently support business processes – from automation to data-driven decision-making.
As an ERP-system, Odoo stands for integration, innovation, and usability. The Digitalk once again demonstrated that digital transformation is not purely a technical challenge. It directly affects our quality of life and work – and companies like rising systems are actively shaping this change with responsibility and foresight.